Haixinsha Island (海心沙) is a small island park on the Pearl River in Guangzhou’s modern core, famous for two things:
- it’s a front-row skyline viewpoint (especially for Canton Tower and Zhujiang New Town lights), and
- it was the venue of the 2010 Asian Games opening ceremony on November 12, 2010.
It’s one of the easiest “wow-at-night” stops in Guangzhou because you can arrive by APM metro and walk straight into the riverside views.
Haixinsha Island at a glance 📍⏱️💳
| What you need | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Entry | Usually listed as free admission |
| Typical park hours | Often listed around 07:00–23:00 (can vary; check before you go) |
| Best transport | APM Line → Haixinsha Station (Exit A to the park) |
| Alternative metro | Line 3 or Line 5 → Zhujiang New Town Station, then ~15 min walk via Huacheng Square |
| Why it’s famous | 2010 Asian Games ceremonies + skyline night views |
| Recommended time | 45–90 minutes (longer if you combine with a night cruise) |
What makes Haixinsha Island special ✅
1) It’s the “center-stage” island of modern Guangzhou
Haixinsha sits right where Guangzhou’s new CBD skyline feels most cinematic—wide river, glowing bridges, and the tower/city lights reflecting off the water.
2) It’s a major landmark for modern Guangzhou history
The 2010 Asian Games opening ceremony was staged on Haixinsha Island—a notable “riverfront ceremony” setup rather than a stadium.
Things to do on Haixinsha Island 🗺️
Skyline walk + photo loop (the best simple plan) 📸
- Enter the island and go straight for a wide riverfront panorama (best right after full dark).
- Walk toward the best “clean sight lines” across the water (you’ll feel it when the view opens).
- Do a slow loop back through the Asian Games Park area near the metro exit.
Combine it with nearby highlights (easy win) ✅
- Tianhe CBD / Zhujiang New Town before sunset
- Haixinsha for night views
- Optional: Pearl River night cruise from the Canton Tower / Haixinsha area (perfect “same evening” combo)
How to get there 🚇🚌🚕
By metro (best option) 🚇✅
APM Line → Haixinsha Station
- The station is located under Haixinsha Island, and Exit A is for Haixinsha Park.
- Haixinsha Station opened February 24, 2011.
Alternative metro + walk 🚶♂️
You can take Line 3 or Line 5 to Zhujiang New Town Station and walk about 15 minutes through Huacheng Square to reach Haixinsha.
By bus / taxi 🚕
If you’re using ride-hailing, pin the destination as:
- Haixinsha Island / Haixinsha Asian Games Park
A commonly listed location reference is Linjiang Avenue, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.
Hours / operating times ⏱️
Many travel listings show Haixinsha Island park hours around 07:00–23:00.
Because parks can change access rules for events, treat the day’s posted notice as the final word.
Tickets / prices 💳
Haixinsha Island is commonly listed as free entry.
Best time to visit 🌙✨
✅ After sunset (around 19:00–21:30)
- Strongest skyline lighting
- Best reflections on the river
- Cooler walk vs daytime humidity
If you want “cleaner” photos, go on a weekday and arrive shortly after dark.
Tips / common mistakes ✅⚠️
✅ Use APM to arrive fresh
It’s the most “direct-to-the-view” route: Haixinsha Station → Exit A → park.
⚠️ Don’t go too early
At dusk, the skyline can look half-lit. Full darkness makes the river reflections pop.
✅ Bring a thin layer
Even in warm weather, the river breeze can feel cooler than the streets.
⚠️ Event nights can change access
If something is happening on the island, some areas can be managed/closed—have a backup plan: Huacheng Square or the river promenade.
FAQ ❓
Which metro station is on Haixinsha Island?
Haixinsha Station on the Guangzhou Metro APM line, with Exit A for Haixinsha Park.
Was Haixinsha Island used for the Asian Games?
Yes—Haixinsha Island hosted the 2010 Asian Games opening ceremony on Nov 12, 2010.
Is Haixinsha Island free?
It’s commonly listed as free admission.
Conclusion
Haixinsha Island is Guangzhou’s easiest high-impact night walk: fast access via APM Haixinsha Station, free entry, and one of the best skyline + river reflection viewpoints in the city—plus real Asian Games history under your feet.
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